album #38

middle cyclone (neko case)

Altogether a pleasant listen. This is an eclectic album with a few different currents running throughout- generally there's a tone of darkness and softness, and that tone is approached from a variety of angles. There are the tender, reflective, slow songs- a big empty sky of stars, a barely chilly night in the grass. There are the heavier, more suspenseful songs (but still on the slower side), a hint of mystery, Bond with a twang. And a few songs that master a quick, pop energy, with an undercurrent of sadness.

"This Tornado Loves You" is wonderful, my favorite track. The fast acoustic guitar, Neko's lovely, controlled howl, the music shifting and surging, maintaining a quick pace as it explores different melodic elements. And that beautiful, yearning refrain at the end. "I'm an Animal" is my other favorite. There's the proud tone, the dark energy of the beat, a low night time chant. Beautiful, defiant and intimate. Some of the other tracks that really stood out- "People Got A Lotta Nerve" is a prime example of an upbeat, good pop song with that quietly sad vibe. "Red Tide" features great guitar, a nice intensity, a feeling of heaviness and intrigue. "Magpie to the Morning" feels a little brief, a little incomplete, but what's there is a slow, tender, low beat; a yearning, yelping voice; it's a lovely night time song. And "Fever" is one of the most fun, distinct, experimental tracks on the album. An eclectic, lurching beat, with cool, hollow instruments.

A few songs are a little bit blandly plodding, but for the most part this album is strong all the way through. Even the weak songs have their moments. The quality of the songs varies but the consistent saving grace is the fine instrumentation and Neko's loud, lovely voice.